10 Crazy Ways To Sweeten Without Sugar

Trust us, you haven't tried most of these

Let’s be real: Most of us have a sweet tooth, and if we had our way, sugary treats would be a food group unto themselves. At the same time, we know that while sweets are enticing (andaddictive), sugar consumed in excess has been linked to weight gain, premature aging, and type 2 diabetes.

Since near birth, most of us have been eating and drink sweeter and sweeter food products every year. So even if you’ve weaned yourself off that heaping teaspoon in your morning cup of coffee, sugar and corn syrup have wormed their way into every corner of your refrigerator and pantry. (Not sure where? Check out this list of 10 Sneaky Names For Sugar so you can find it on your labels.) This is bad news for your heart and your waistline. The good news? We found 10 surprising—and naturally sweet—alternatives to the white stuff that come with added health benefits to boot.

Honey is antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antifungal—so much so that it’s even been used to treat wounds. Its distinctive brand of sweetness is welcome in almost any dish. Just remember that it’s not chemically the same as sugar: If you’re making a swap, substitute no more than one-third of the sugar for honey. Check out these 6 Recipes With Honey for inspiration!

This may seem a bit counterintuitive, but a tiny pinch of salt can enhance the natural sweetness in many ingredients and dishes—and especially in anything with fresh fruit. Before you add something to sweeten that next smoothie, try a little salt and taste it again. The natural sweetness will be more pronounced.

Those who can’t stomach the stuff know all too well that milk and cream are full of lactose. It’s less well known that lactose is, in fact, a type of natural sugar that lends a gentle hint of sweetness to all kinds of recipes. Think about how a little cuts the bitterness in your coffee. It’s especially good from bring a touch of sweetness to a savory soups and stews. Consider the calcium you’ll get as an added bonus.

4. Grated Carrots

You know how your grandmother’s recipe for spaghetti sauce calls for sugar? Try grated carrots instead. Their natural sugars bring just the right amount of sweetness (and a dose of vitamin A and beta carotene)—with no added sugar. Another idea: Carrot cake muffins, anyone?

5. Beets

Much of the refined sugar you eat comes from beets—and for good reason. They are among the sweetest plants growing. In fact, the original red velvet cakes used grated beets to achieve its earthy sweet flavor and ruddy hue. Try them in smoothies, grated into your next chocolate cake, or in soups for an unexpectedly sweet taste.

Salad dressings are prime suspect when it comes to identifying hidden sugar in your diet. Make your own salad dressing with olive oil and lemon juice, and sweeten it slightly with a splash of vitamin-C-packed fresh-squeezed orange juice.

It sounds strange, but onions have a surprisingly high sugar content. It’s just that we don’t taste it in their raw state, when those harsh, sharp, eye-burning flavor compounds hog our attention. Rich in polyphenols, onions are one of the healthiest common vegetables and a nutrition-packed addition to your meals. Cooked slowly over a low heat, the sweetness comes into focus. They can replace corn-syrup-laced condiments, like ketchup, on your next burger.

8. Maple Syrup

This sweet stuff isn’t just for pancakes. Its complex flavors bring sweetness to baked goods and is a big improvement over granulated sugar in your morning coffee. Luckily, it doesn’t just taste fantastic. With slightly fewer calories and more minerals than honey, this antioxidant-rich elixir has health benefits, too.

9. Apples

Applesauce (no added sugar, please) is a classic ingredient for cutting fat and sugar out of recipes. Grated whole apples can work this way, too. Try some in your next batch of whole-wheat pancakes and you may not even want to reach for syrup. Diced apples also make a fiber-rich sweetener for plain yogurt. Just don’t peel the skin—that’s where most of the disease fighting compounds are.

10. Stevia

If none of the above solutions solves your sugar dilemma, you may want to reach for a sugar substitute. Of the currently available options, stevia, which is derived from an herb and has been used in certain parts of the world for centuries, is probably your healthiest bet. It’s super sweet—many times sweeter than sugar or honey—and should be used in moderation. (For Dr. Andrew Weil's take on stevia, see this article.)

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